Primary School

From little acorns, mighty oaks grow

In this section:

E-Safety

Staying safe online is really important. Read out top tips for happiness online:

Make sure online friends are people you know in real life.

Don’t leave a mate out online - you wouldn’t in real life.

Think before you post – what YOU find funny someone else might not.

Don’t give away your personal information!

Too much time spent online wiping you out? Get some fresh air instead!

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is when a person or people use mobile phones, social networks, emails, gaming or any digital technology to threaten, tease or humiliate someone else.

How to deal with cyberbullying

No-one has the right to make you feel threatened or upset, here are some tips for taking action and dealing with it -

Don’t reply to upsetting or hurtful messages, no matter how angry they make you feel. Try and block them on social media and on your phone if possible. Check social media/phone provider’s help pages for how to do this.

Keep a log of any messages or texts, take screenshots and don’t delete anything. This will help when explaining what’s happening to you.

You don’t have to deal with the bullying on your own, talk to an adult you trust – a parent or guardian, a teacher, or counsellor.

If the bullying is happening on a website, social media site or online game, report it. Most sites and services have advice on how to do this in their online help centre.

Remember there are resources online with support, advice and practical help on cyberbullying.

The worst thing a bully can do is get inside your head. Don’t talk to yourself with the voice of a bully, and don’t believe what bullies say about you, that’s how they win. Talk over your feelings with someone and don’t let the bullies get you down.

Am I a cyberbully?

Unfortunately it’s quite easy to get drawn into something that seems like a joke but can make someone else feel embarrassed, left out or humiliated. ‘Liking’ something negative about someone or sharing embarrassing photos and videos can become a way to gang up on someone else. If in doubt, check it out. Send that person a private message and ask them if they feel okay about something. If they don’t, take it down.

If you’ve done something like this then think about how it would make you feel if it happened to you. We all make mistakes but it’s important to learn from them – so delete negative posts or comments and apologise. And next time you post, think about how it could make someone else feel.

Click on some of the links below for information, quizzes, videos and games.